Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Recommendations:-

1.    That the results of the public consultation and engagement on the future service delivery model and the Peer review for the Libraries Service be noted.

2.    The needs assessment, which brings together all the research, consultation and engagement undertaken to date, is noted.

3.    That a final phase of consultation and engagement be undertaken in respect of the draft Library Strategy 2020 – 2025 and associated service offer.

4.    That the draft Library Strategy 2020–2025 for the final phase of consultation and engagement is approved.

5.    The final version of the library strategy 2020 – 2025 and associated service offer including improvements and efficiencies be presented back to Cabinet and then Council for consideration following consultation and engagement.

6.    That the Service continues to engage with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in relation to any proposed changes to service provision.

Consideration was given to a report which summarised the initial consultation and engagement undertaken on the development of a new Library Strategy for the period 2020 – 2025.  It also detailed the proposed draft Library Strategy, setting out the vision, mission, key principles and core offer for the future service. 

It was reported that the draft strategy had been developed following an analysis of local need for the service, feedback received during the consultation and engagement and the Local Government Association Peer review. This report also identified a range of improvements and efficiencies connected to the Library Strategy implementation.

The report sought approval to go out to a final phase of consultation and engagement from 3 February 2020 to 26 April 2020, a period of 12 weeks.  Feedback from the consultation and engagement would then inform a final version of the Library Strategy, including a service offer and any associated budget savings which would be presented back to Cabinet and Council for consideration.

Specific proposals for the strategy included:-

·         the retention of libraries at 15 locations, the vehicle-based service and Schools Loan Service;

·         the positioning of libraries as essential community and cultural hubs, a first point of contact for Council services, partners and residents in neighbourhoods.

·         investment of capital funding to improve every library and its provision across the Borough.

·         improved I.T. provision to support self-service, online and assisted digital service delivery;

·         co-location of libraries with other services at sites including Kiveton Park and Thurcroft;

·         development option for a new town centre library;

·         pilot of a community managed delivery model at Brinsworth;

·         relocation of Swinton library as part of the wider regeneration of the town centre.

Resolved:-

1.    That the results of the public consultation and engagement on the future service delivery model and the Peer review for the Libraries Service be noted.

2.    The needs assessment, which brings together all the research, consultation and engagement undertaken to date, be noted.

3.    That a final phase of consultation and engagement be undertaken in respect of the draft Library Strategy 2020 – 2025 and associated service offer.

4.    That the draft Library Strategy 2020–2025 for the final phase of consultation and engagement is approved.

5.    The final version of the Library Strategy 2020 – 2025 and associated service offer including improvements and efficiencies be presented back to Cabinet and then Council for consideration following consultation and engagement.

6.    That the Service continues to engage with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in relation to any proposed changes to service provision.